Alerts

Warning: Emails and website misusing the name of Mayer Brown International LLP

7 November 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Mayer Brown International LLP and Stephanie Hughes.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent from an individual called 'Stephanie Hughes' claiming to be a 'Lawyer/Debt Collection Litigation Counsel' falsely purporting to be from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The email seen by the SRA requests payment of a supposed outstanding invoice.

The email was sent from the email address 'stephaniehughes@mayerbrownfuturelaw.co.uk'.

The SRA also understands that a website was being set up; 'www.mayerbrownfutures.co.uk'.

Any business or transaction through the email address 'stephaniehughes@mayerbrownfuturelaw.co.uk' or the website 'www.mayerbrownfutures.co.uk' is not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Mayer Brown International LLP. Its head office address is 201 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3AF. Emails from the firm use the domain ‘@mayerbrown.com’ and its genuine websites are www.mayerbrown.com and www.mayerbrownfutures.com.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Stephanie Hughes.

The genuine firm of Mayer Brown International LLP and the genuine Stephanie Hughes have confirmed they have no connection to the scam referred to above.

What should I do?

When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.